DDR memory bus with a reduced data strobe signal preamble timespan

ABSTRACT

A method is described. The method includes configuring first register space to establish ODT values of a data strobe signal trace of a DDR data bus. The method also includes configuring second register space to establish ODT values of a data signal trace of the DDR data bus. The ODT values for the data strobe signal trace are different than the ODT values for the data signal trace. The ODT values for the data strobe signal do not change when consecutive write operations of the DDR bus write to different ranks of a same DIMM.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The field of invention pertains generally to the computing sciences,and, more specifically, to a DDR memory bus with a reduced data strobesignal preamble timespan.

BACKGROUND

Computing system designers are highly motivated to increase the overallperformance of the computing systems they design. Because system memory(also referred to as “main memory”) is a critical component within acomputing system, improvements in system memory performance generallyresult directly in overall computing system performance. As such,computing system designers tend to put emphasis on finding new ways toimprove system memory performance.

FIGURES

A better understanding of the present invention can be obtained from thefollowing detailed description in conjunction with the followingdrawings, in which:

FIG. 1 shows DDR data bus signals (prior art);

FIGS. 2a and 2b show different circuitry of a DDR data bus (prior art);

FIGS. 3a and 3b show ODT configuration circuitry and ODT configurationsettings (prior art);

FIG. 4 shows improved DDR data bus signals;

FIGS. 5a, 5b and 5c show different circuitry and ODT configurationsettings of an improved DDR data bus;

FIG. 6 shows a ODT configuration setting method;

FIG. 7 shows a computing system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 shows a basic depiction of a transfer of date over a double datarate (DDR) data bus. DDR data bus technology is particularly prevalentas the communication technology that is inserted between the host sidemain memory controller of a computing system and the computing system'smain memory. For instance, the Joint Electron Device Engineering Council(JEDEC) publishes DDR data bus standards (e.g., DDR3, DDR4, etc.) thathave received wide adoption in the computer industry as the interfacestandard that memory controller designers and memory chip suppliersdesign their circuits to conform to.

The exemplary DDR data bus of FIG. 1 includes various signal traces(also referred to as “nets”) including a command signal trace (CMD),data queue strobe signal traces (DQS and /DQS) and multiple data queuesignal traces (DQ). The bus transfers data (DIN) over the DQ traces inmultiple bursts where the data of each burst has different associatedmemory address information A0, A1, A2, A3. The DIN data is transferredsynchronously with a pair of data strobe signals (DQS and /DQS) thattogether form a differential strobe signal (where DQS corresponds to thepositive end of the differential signal and /DQS corresponds to thenegative end of the differential signal).

Here, the data transfer of FIG. 1 can be viewed, e.g., as either amemory write process in which a memory controller is transferring writedata over the DDR bus to a memory, or, a memory read process in which amemory is transferring read data over the DDR bus to a memorycontroller. The particular DDR transfer of FIG. 1 can be viewed as a“source synchronous” data transfer in the sense that the memorycontroller provides the DQS strobe signals in the case of a memorywrite, and, the memory device provides the DQS strobe signals in thecase of a memory read.

As can be seen in FIG. 1, the DIN data is transferred over the DQ traceson both the rising and falling edges of the DQS strobe (hence the term,“double date rate” as logical data transfers traditionally transfer dataon only a rising edge or a falling edge of a clock/strobe). In order toeffect a DDR transfer, data is sampled from the DQ traces by thereceiving end each time the DQS strobe signal transitions between alogic high (e.g., when DQS is greater than /DQS) and a logic low (e.g.,when /DQS is greater than DQS).

Even higher bandwidth transfers may be effected by using higherfundamental clock frequencies in combination with a double data rateapproach. That is, for instance, simplistically viewing the DQS strobeof FIG. 1 as a clock signal, more data can be transferred per unit timethe higher the DQS strobe's fundamental frequency (e.g., approximatelytwice as much data can be transferred with a 4 GHz DQS strobe than a 2GHz strobe). As such, system designers strive to not only implement DDRdata transfers between the host and memory but also to implement the DDRtransfers with high fundamental clock frequencies.

A problem is that higher fundamental clock frequencies are more prone tovarious forms of signal distortion. A primary distortion of concern isthe existence of signal reflections of the bus traces resulting fromimproperly terminated signal lines. As such, JEDEC has promulgated DDRstandards (starting with DDR3) that specify the inclusion of on-dietermination (ODT) circuitry for the DQS strobe and DQ data signaltraces.

FIG. 2a depicts a memory system 200 that includes a memory controller201 and a pair of memory modules 201_1, 201_2. As can be seen in FIG. 2a, the data bus has a “width” of M bits as there are M DQ signal traces.Additionally, each of the individual DQS 203 and DQ 204 signal lines arebi-directional (each DQS and DQ signal trace is coupled to both atransmitter and a receiver on the memory controller side and on eachmemory module rank side).

FIG. 2b depicts a single trace (the /DQS trace) in more detail so thatthe bi-directional nature of the DQS, /DQS and each of the M DQ tracescan be better comprehended. The bi-directional implementation of thetraces is consistent with the source synchronous nature of the DDS busin that, during a memory write, the respective transmitter for the /DQStrace on the memory controller 201 side is enabled while the respectivereceiver for the /DQS trace of at least the targeted memory module rank202_X are enabled. Likewise, during a memory read, the respectivetransmitter for the /DQS trace of at least the memory module rank sidebeing read from 202_X is enabled while the respective receiver for the/DQS on the memory controller side 201 is enabled.

As such, since ODT circuitry 211, 212 is intended to better terminatesignal traces on the receiving end (to diminish signal distortionscaused by reflections on the receiving end). Here, during a memorywrite, ODT circuitry 211 on the memory controller side 201 is disabled(or is in a high impedance state) while ODT circuitry 212 on thetargeted memory module rank side 202_X is enabled. Likewise, during amemory read, ODT circuitry 212 is disabled on the side of the memorymodule rank being read from 202_X while ODT circuitry 211 is enabled onthe memory controller side 201. Here, it is again pertinent to recognizethat each of the DQS, /DQS and all M DQ traces of FIG. 2a areindividually designed as depicted in FIG. 2a but with three additionalmemory module ranks side 202_X (four total) because each of these tracesis coupled to four ranks.

According to one embodiment, ODT circuitry 211, 212 is implemented witha precision termination resistance value Zo, where, the trace'stermination resistance is configurable as Zo/N and N can be any ofvalues, e.g., 1, 2, 4 or 8. For example, if the precision terminationresistance value is 240 ohms, the termination resistance that can beestablished by an ODT circuit can be any of 240, 120, 60 or 30 ohms.Here, N may be specified by way of configuration register space withinboth the memory controller 201 and memory modules 202_1, 202_2. In orderto effect the configurable termination resistance, the ODT circuitry211, 212 may be implemented, e.g., as a resistive divider network thatincludes first resistance between the signal line being terminated bythe divider network and VCC, and, second resistance between the signalline being terminated and a reference such as VSS or ground, where,either or both of the first and second resistances can be adjusted toeffect a specific Zo/N termination resistance for the overall dividernetwork.

Those of ordinary skill will appreciate that FIG. 2a represents a commonmain memory implementation in which both memory modules 201_1, 202_2corresponds to a dual-in-line memory module (DIMM). That is, manycomputing systems currently implement their main memory with a DDRmemory bus that is coupled to a main memory controller 201 and first andsecond DIMMs 201_1, 201_2 that are connected to the DDR memory bus.

Those of ordinary skill will also appreciate that DIMMs often includemore than one (e.g., two) ranks of memory chips. For example, a DIMM maybe designed to include a first rank (rank 0) of memory chips on a firstside of the DIMM and a second rank (rank 1) of memory chips on a second,opposite side of the DIMM. In various embodiments, a rank is a set ofmemory chips that are coupled to a same chip select (CS) signal. Thus,whereas FIG. 2a depicts the DQS and DQ signals as being multi-dropsignals in that all four ranks associated with both DIMMs are coupled tothe same DQS and DQ signal traces, by contrast, each of the four ranksis coupled to its own unique CS signal line (specifically, rank 0 ofDIMM_1 is coupled to CS_0, rank 1 of DIMM_1 is coupled to CS_1, rank 0of DIMM_0 is coupled to CS_2 and rank 1 of DIMM_0 is coupled to CS_3).

Each rank is viewed as its own set of addressable memory space and thememory controller 201 writes into a particular rank/set by activatingthe chip select of that rank/set. Thus, for example, if the memorycontroller 201 desires to write/read into/from rank 0 of DIMM_1 202_1 itwill activate CS_0 but deactivate CS_1, CS_2 and CS_3 on the DDR databus. Likewise, if the memory controller 201 desires to write/readinto/from rank 1 of DIMM_1 201_1 it will activate CS_1 but deactivateCS_0, CS_2 and CS_3 of the DDR data bus. Analogous operations areperformed if the memory controller desires to write/read to/from ranks 0or 1 of DIMM_0 202_2.

Here, each rank includes enough memory chips to implement a data buswidth of a specific width (M). For instance, in the case of a 64 bitdata bus width, each rank will include, e.g., eight 8 bit memory chipsor four 16 bit memory chips (as just two examples). In this manner,memory resources are easily expandable while at the same time keepingthe memory data bus width constant across each memory partition (e.g.,each unique CS that stems from the memory controller 201 and is coupledto an actual physical rank of memory space corresponds to a higherordered bit of the computing system's addressable main memory space).

In various approaches the ODT termination resistance values of thememory controller and the ranks that are coupled to a same memory buswill change depending on how the memory controller 201 is using theindividual ranks. Moreover, according to prior art approaches, the ODTsettings and the manner in which they changed are identical for both theDQS, /DQS and DQ signals.

FIG. 3a depicts the prior art design approach for both the memorycontroller and the memory chips. As observed in FIG. 3a , according tothe prior art approach, a single ODT configuration setting 312 inconfiguration register space 311 determined the ODT values for each ofthe DQS, /DQS and DQ signal traces. That is, ODT settings for each ofthe DQS, /DQS and DQ signal traces were identical within a particularmemory controller or memory chip 310.

FIG. 3b shows an exemplary embodiment of the ODT settings for the DQS,/DQS and each of the DQ signal lines of a DDR memory bus. Here, during awrite sequence, the ODT settings, which are tabulated in ODT matrix 321,the ODT settings for the memory controller are indeterminate, highimpedance or otherwise immaterial because the memory controller istransmitting during a write sequence. By contrast, during a writesequence, the ODT settings for the memory chips of each of the ranks areset to a specific value. The value, however, depends upon whether therank is the rank being written to or is not the rank being written to.

As can be seen from matrix 321, if a rank is the rank being written toduring the write sequence, its ODT is set to 240 ohms. By contrast, ifthe rank is not the rank being written to, the rank's ODT is set to 60ohms. Each row of matrix 321 corresponds to a different write targetrank (the first row shows ODT settings if rank 0 of DIMM_1 is the targetrank, the second row shows ODT settings if rank 1 of DIMM_1 is thetarget rank, etc.). In the particular embodiment of matrix 321, thesignal lines of the DDR bus have a characteristic impedance that isapproximately (or in the vicinity of) 50 ohms.

Additionally, as can be seen in FIG. 2a , DQS, /DQS and DQ I/Os of samepositioned memory chips of different ranks on a same DIMM are coupled tosame physical DQS. /DQS and DQ traces on the DIMM. That is, forinstance, consider two memory chips on a same DIMM that are each to holddata bits D0 through D15 of the memory bus (but only for theirrespective ranks). In an implementation both chips have their respectiveDQS, /DQS and DQ_0 through DQ_15 signal I/Os tied to the same respectivesignal trace on the DIMM. For example, the DQS I/O of the first memorychip and the DQS I/O of the second memory chip are tied to a same DQSsignal trace on the DIMM. So doing permits the DIMM to have only one DQSI/O that physically connects to the DQS signal of the bus, which, inturn, limits the I/O count of the DIMM thereby permitting a small formfactor connection to the bus.

Thus, the ODT circuits of two memory chips that are tied to a same buswire can be seen as being coupled in a parallel arrangement with oneanother. Those of ordinary skill will appreciate that, referring tomatrix 321, when a 240 ohm termination resistance is coupled in parallelwith a 60 ohm termination resistance, which corresponds to the settingof the write target rank ODT and the non target ODT on the same DIMM,the overall impedance of the DIMM as seen from the bus is 48 ohms(((240*60)/(240+60))=14,400/300=48). As such, the ODT settings of thepair(s) of memory chips of the targeted rank and the non targeted rankon a same DIMM are setup to diminish reflection at the DIMM/businterface. Once the transmitted signal is received at the target DIMMwith (ideally minimal) reflection from the DIMM/bus interface, thehigher resistance at the target rank (240 ohm) should result in moresignal energy being received at the target rank than the non targetedrank.

As such, in order to secure correct reception of signal waveforms at thetarget rank, the ODT values of the DQS, /DQS and DQ signals of thetarget rank's memory chips are set to 240 ohms. The ODT values of theDQS, /DQS and DQ signals of the memory chips of the other ranks are setto 60 ohms, e.g., not only to give the target DIMM an impedance matchwith the bus, but also, because a 60 ohm setting results in lowest powerconsumption. Here, the ranks of the DIMM that is not targeted by thewrite are both set to 60 ohms to, e.g., reduce the reflected signalenergy of the memory chips on the non targeted DIMM (and also to ensurethat the non targeted DIMM does not receive a substantial portion of thesignal energy transmitted by the memory controller).

Matrix 322 shows a corresponding matrix for the read processes on thesame data bus. Here, the ODT value for the DQS, /DQS and DQ signaltraces that are coupled as inputs to the memory controller are set tothe appropriate impedance (50 ohms). Thus, unlike the write process inwhich the memory controller's ODT values were not relevant, by contrast,in the case of a read in which the memory controller receivesinformation, the memory controller's receiving end should have aspecific termination resistance that is implemented by its ODTcircuitry.

Referring to matrix 322, the transmitting rank during a memory read isset to an irrelevant termination resistance. Thus, if rank 0 of DIMM_0is being read, the ODT values of the memory chips of rank 0 of DIMM_0are set to a high impedance or otherwise irrelevant value. By contrast,the ODT values of the memory chips of rank_1 of DIMM_0 are set to 240ohms. That is, considering the ranks on the DIMM that is targeted by theread, the ODT values of the transmitting rank are irrelevant whereas theODT values of the non transmitting rank are set to 240 ohms. The settingof the non transmitting rank to 240 ohm, e.g., helps establish a“source” impedance of the transmitting DIMM that promotes transmissionof signal energy from the transmitting rank onto the bus rather thanremain within the DIMM. The memory chips of both ranks on the nontargeted DIMM are set to 60 ohm to keep reflected signal energy of thenon targeted DIMM low.

As discussed above, the settings described above have traditionally beenimplemented identically for the DQS, /DQS and DQ signal traces. That is,the settings of matrix 321 and matrix 322 of FIG. 3 have traditionallybeen controlling not only for the DQ traces but also the DQS and /DQStraces.

A problem is that whenever an ODT value has to change, it consumes timeand the time an ODT circuit consumes changing values needs to be builtinto the timing budget/constraints of the memory bus. Here, as can beseen from matrix 321, the ODT value of the DQS signal will change: 1)whenever a target rank is changed during consecutive writes; 2) whenevera target rank is changed during consecutive reads and, 3) except forcertain cases when the same rank and DIMM is targeted, whenever the databus switches activity from a write to a read, or, from a read to a write(e.g., the ODT value of rank 1 of DIMM_1 does not change if the memorybus first writes to rank 1 of DIMM_1 and then reads from rank 1 ofDIMM_1).

The changing of the ODT value of a DQS and/or /DQS signal canappreciably change the throughput of the overall memory bus because DQSsignals, as shown in FIG. 1, are the lead signals that initiate a datatransfer (the data transfer cannot happen until the differential DQSsignal transitions). As such, a mechanism for improving the throughputof a data bus is to not change any DQS ODT settings, e.g., if possible.

FIG. 4 shows a comparative example of the operation of a first data busthat includes ODT changes of its DQS and /DQS signals and a second databus that does not change ODT values for DQS and /DQS signals ifpossible. Specifically, timing diagram 431 essentially re-depicts FIG. 1as a baseline example in which ODT values of the DQS and /DQS signaltraces change, whereas, timing diagram 432 shows an improved DDR busthat is designed to prevent changes of ODT values of its DQS and /DQSsignal traces if possible. As can be seen in the comparison of the twotiming diagrams 431, 432, the first data bus 431 (ODT values of DQS and/DQS signals change) has additional time expended 433 waiting for theODT values to change for the DQS and /DQS signal traces, whereas, thesecond data bus 431 has less time expended 434 prior to transmission ofdata because no time was wasted waiting for a DQS or /DQS signal traceto change.

More specifically, according to various JEDEC specifications, timeperiods 433 and 434 are referred to as the preamble and defines anamount of time that the DQS and /DQS signals must hold a steady stateprior to the transmission of data on the DQ signal lines. As can be seenfrom FIG. 4, the preamble 433 of the first data bus is longer than thepreamble 434 of the second data bus 432. That is, the first preamble 433is approximately 2 clock cycles whereas the second preamble 434 isapproximately one clock cycle. Thus, data transfers can beginapproximately one clock cycle sooner with the second data bus 432 whichimproves the overall throughput of the data bus. Here, the one clockcycle reduction is exemplary and depicted for ease of drawing. However,modeling of potential DDR5 implementations suggest a 1-2 clock cyclereduction in preamble length by preventing ODT value changes in the DQSand /DQS signals.

In various implementations, even though the non-changing ODT values forthe DQS and /DQS signal traces results in less than ideal terminationvalues for these traces, the less than ideal ODT settings arenevertheless sufficient because the DQS and /DQS signals have aninherently higher signal-to-noise ratio because they are interpreted asa single differential signal, and, are less random than the DQ signalsand therefore may not be composed with as much signal degradation as theDQ signals.

FIGS. 5a, 5b and 5c therefore show an improved memory system design inwhich the DQS and /DQS ODT configuration settings are permitted to bedifferent than the DQ ODT configuration settings. Here, FIG. 5a , whichcan be compared directly with FIG. 3a , shows an improved memorycontroller or memory chip 510 that has separate configuration settings512, 513 in its configuration register space 511 (a first setting 512for DQS and /DQS ODT values and a second setting 513 for DQ ODT values).Importantly, the separate settings 512, 513 can hold different values sothat a different ODT scheme can be programmed for the DQS and /DQS ODTcircuits than the DQ ODT circuits. Specifically, the DQ ODT circuits areprogrammed to change depending on the specific changes in the operationsthat the memory bus is performing, whereas, the DQS and /DQS are notprogrammed to change at least for certain changes in the operations ofthe memory bus. In the case where chip 510 corresponds to a memory chip,register space 511 may be the MR register space of the memory chip.

FIGS. 5b and 5c show exemplary configuration settings. Here, FIG. 5bshows exemplary DQ ODT settings 513 which are identical to the settingsdiscussed above with respect to FIG. 3b . By contrast, FIG. 5c showsexemplary DQS and /DQS ODT settings 512 that prevent the DQS and /DQSODT values from changing even if specific activity of the memory buschanges. Specifically, matrix 523 shows that, for write operations, bothranks of DIMM_1 are set to 120 ohm and both ranks of DIMM_0 are set to60 ohm irrespective of which rank and DIMM are targeted by the write.Matrix 524, which specifies ODT values of the DQS and /DQS signal tracesduring a read, essentially preserves the same settings as matrix 523with the exception that the targeted rank and DIMM for a read operationare set to an immaterial value because the targeted rank and DIMM aretransmitting and are not receiving.

In various embodiments, the ODT settings for both register space 511 andregister space 512 are stored in system firmware (e.g., BIOS firmware)and loaded (e.g., from non volatile storage such as a FLASH memory) intothe register space 511, 512 during chip boot-up and/or boot-up of thesystem that the DDR memory bus is integrated into.

FIG. 6 shows a method that can be performed, e.g., when configuring amemory controller or memory chip during a boot-up as described above. Asobserved in FIG. 6, the method includes configuring first register spaceto establish ODT values of a data strobe signal trace of a DDR data bus.The method also includes configuring second register space to establishODT values of a data signal trace of the DDR data bus, wherein, the ODTvalues for the data strobe signal trace are different than the ODTvalues for the data signal trace, and wherein, the ODT values for thedata strobe signal trace do not change when consecutive write operationsof the DDR bus write to different ranks of a same DIMM.

FIG. 7 provides an exemplary depiction of a computing system 700 (e.g.,a smartphone, a tablet computer, a laptop computer, a desktop computer,a server computer, etc.). As observed in FIG. 7, the basic computingsystem 700 may include a central processing unit 701 (which may include,e.g., a plurality of general purpose processing cores 715_1 through715_X) and a main memory controller 717 disposed on a multi-coreprocessor or applications processor, system memory 702, a display 703(e.g., touchscreen, flat-panel), a local wired point-to-point link(e.g., USB) interface 704, various network I/O functions 705 (such as anEthernet interface and/or cellular modem subsystem), a wireless localarea network (e.g., WiFi) interface 706, a wireless point-to-point link(e.g., Bluetooth) interface 707 and a Global Positioning Systeminterface 708, various sensors 709_1 through 709_Y, one or more cameras710, a battery 711, a power management control unit 712, a speaker andmicrophone 713 and an audio coder/decoder 714.

An applications processor or multi-core processor 750 may include one ormore general purpose processing cores 715 within its CPU 701, one ormore graphical processing units 716, a memory management function 717(e.g., a memory controller) and an I/O control function 718. The generalpurpose processing cores 715 typically execute the operating system andapplication software of the computing system. The graphics processingunit 716 typically executes graphics intensive functions to, e.g.,generate graphics information that is presented on the display 703. Thememory control function 717 interfaces with the system memory 702 towrite/read data to/from system memory 702. The power management controlunit 712 generally controls the power consumption of the system 700.

Each of the touchscreen display 703, the communication interfaces704-707, the GPS interface 708, the sensors 709, the camera(s) 710, andthe speaker/microphone codec 713, 714 all can be viewed as various formsof I/O (input and/or output) relative to the overall computing systemincluding, where appropriate, an integrated peripheral device as well(e.g., the one or more cameras 710). Depending on implementation,various ones of these I/O components may be integrated on theapplications processor/multi-core processor 750 or may be located offthe die or outside the package of the applications processor/multi-coreprocessor 750.

The computing system may include a memory bus, such as a DDR main memorybus that couples the system/main memory controller 717 to thesystem/main memory 702 where the DDR bus supports separatelyconfigurable ODT settings for its DQS, /DQS signal traces and its DQsignal traces as described at length above.

Application software, operating system software, device driver softwareand/or firmware executing on a general purpose CPU core (or otherfunctional block having an instruction execution pipeline to executeprogram code) of an applications processor or other processor mayperform any of the functions described above.

Embodiments of the invention may include various processes as set forthabove. The processes may be embodied in machine-executable instructions.The instructions can be used to cause a general-purpose orspecial-purpose processor to perform certain processes. Alternatively,these processes may be performed by specific hardware components thatcontain hardwired logic for performing the processes, or by anycombination of programmed computer components and custom hardwarecomponents.

Elements of the present invention may also be provided as amachine-readable medium for storing the machine-executable instructions.The machine-readable medium may include, but is not limited to, floppydiskettes, optical disks, CD-ROMs, and magneto-optical disks, FLASHmemory, ROMs, RAMs, EPROMs, EEPROMs, magnetic or optical cards,propagation media or other type of media/machine-readable mediumsuitable for storing electronic instructions. For example, the presentinvention may be downloaded as a computer program which may betransferred from a remote computer (e.g., a server) to a requestingcomputer (e.g., a client) by way of data signals embodied in a carrierwave or other propagation medium via a communication link (e.g., a modemor network connection).

In the foregoing specification, the invention has been described withreference to specific exemplary embodiments thereof. It will, however,be evident that various modifications and changes may be made theretowithout departing from the broader spirit and scope of the invention asset forth in the appended claims. The specification and drawings are,accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictivesense.

What is claimed is:
 1. A semiconductor chip, comprising: a) memory controller circuitry to interface to a dual data rate (DDR) memory channel, said memory controller circuitry comprising first configurable on-die termination (ODT) circuitry to terminate a data strobe signal trace of said DDR memory channel, said memory controller circuitry comprising second configurable ODT circuitry to terminate a data signal trace of said DDR memory channel's data bus; b) configuration register space, said configuration register space comprising a first region to enter first ODT values for said first configurable ODT circuitry, said configuration register space comprising a second region to enter second ODT values for said second configurable ODT circuitry, wherein said first configuration register space is to be programmed with first ODT values that do not change if consecutive write operations of said DDR memory bus write to a different rank of a same memory module.
 2. The semiconductor chip of claim 1 wherein said DDR memory bus conforms to a Joint Electron Device Engineering Council (JEDEC) standard.
 3. The semiconductor chip of claim 2 wherein said data strobe signal trace is one of a DQS signal trace and a /DQS signal trace and said data signal trace is a DQ signal trace.
 4. The semiconductor chip of claim 3 further comprising third configurable ODT circuitry to terminate the other of said DQS signal trace and said /DQS signal trace.
 5. The semiconductor chip of claim 4 wherein said first region of said configuration register space is to program said first and third configurable ODT circuits.
 6. The semiconductor chip of claim 1 wherein said first configuration register space is to be programmed with first ODT values that do not change if consecutive read operations of said DDR memory bus read from a different memory module.
 7. A memory chip, comprising: circuitry to interface to a dual data rate (DDR) memory channel, said circuitry comprising first configurable ODT circuitry to terminate a data strobe signal trace of said DDR memory channel, said circuitry comprising second configurable ODT circuitry to terminate a data signal trace of said DDR memory channel's data bus, said memory controller comprising configuration register space, said configuration register space comprising a first region to enter first ODT values for said first configurable ODT circuitry, said configuration register space comprising a second region to enter second ODT values for said second configurable ODT circuitry, wherein said first configuration register space is to be programmed with first ODT values that do not change if consecutive read operations of said DDR memory bus read from a different memory module.
 8. The memory chip of claim 7 wherein said DDR memory bus conforms to a JEDEC standard.
 9. The memory chip of claim 8 wherein said configuration register space is mode register (MR) register space.
 10. The memory chip of claim 9 wherein said data strobe signal trace is one of a DQS signal trace and a /DQS signal trace and said data signal trace is a DQ signal trace.
 11. The memory chip of claim 10 wherein said first region of said configuration register space is to program said first configurable ODT circuit and a third configurable ODT circuit that terminates the other of said DQS signal trace and said /DQS signal trace.
 12. The memory chip of claim 7 wherein said first configuration register space is to be programmed with first ODT values that do not change if consecutive write operations of said DDR memory bus write to a different rank of a same memory module.
 13. A machine readable medium containing program code that when processed by semiconductor chip circuitry to execute program code causes a method to be performed, said method comprising: configuring first register space to establish ODT values of a data strobe signal trace of a dual data rate (DDR) memory channel; configuring second register space to establish ODT values of a data signal trace of said DDR memory channel's data bus, wherein, said ODT values for said data strobe signal trace are different than said ODT values for said data signal trace, and wherein, said ODT values for said data strobe signal trace do not change when consecutive write operations of said DDR bus write to different ranks of a same DIMM; programming said first configuration register space with first ODT values that do not change if consecutive read operations of said DDR memory bus read from a different memory module.
 14. The machine readable medium of claim 13 wherein said DDR bus conforms to a JEDEC standard, said data strobe signal trace is one of a DQS signal trace and a /DQS signal trace and said data signal is a DQ signal trace.
 15. The machine readable medium of claim 13 wherein said ODT values for said data strobe signal do not change for a particular rank of a particular DIMM when consecutive read operations of said DDR bus read from different ranks of different DIMMs that do not include said particular rank.
 16. The machine readable medium of claim 13 wherein said semiconductor chip circuitry is disposed in one of: a memory chip; a multi-core processor chip comprising a memory controller to interface to said DDR bus.
 17. A computing system, comprising: a plurality of general purpose central processing unit (CPU) processing cores; a memory controller coupled to the plurality of general purpose processing cores; a main memory coupled to the memory controller with a DDR data bus, the main memory comprising a DIMM, the DIMM comprising: a) interface circuitry to interface to a dual data rate (DDR) memory channel, said interface circuitry comprising first configurable on-die termination (ODT) circuitry to terminate a data strobe signal trace of said DDR memory channel, said interface circuitry comprising second configurable ODT circuitry to terminate a data signal trace of said DDR memory channel's data bus; b) configuration register space, said configuration register space comprising a first region to enter first ODT values for said first configurable ODT circuitry, said configuration register space comprising a second region to enter second ODT values for said second configurable ODT circuitry, wherein said first configuration register space is to be programmed with first ODT values that do not change if consecutive write operations of said DDR memory bus write to a different rank of a same memory module.
 18. The computing system of claim 17 wherein said DDR memory bus conforms to a JEDEC standard.
 19. The computing system of claim 18 wherein said data strobe signal trace is one of a DQS signal trace and a /DQS signal trace and said data signal trace is a DQ signal trace.
 20. The computing system of claim 17 wherein said first configuration register space is to be programmed with first ODT values that do not change if consecutive read operations of said DDR memory bus read from a different memory module. 